RFD-TV, industry leaders, and markets react to the new Ag Secretary, Brooke Rollins

Brooke_Rollins_America First Policy Institute.jpg

The Honorable Brooke Rollins

America First Policy Institute

After weeks of closed-door talks, President-elect Donald Trump has made his pick for U.S. Agriculture Secretary.

He has nominated Brooke Rollins, who is currently the president of the America First Policy Institute and has been a strong supporter of President Trump during the campaign.

This is the nomination that we have been waiting on for some time now.

RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander spoke on who Brooke Rollins is, her agriculture background, and motherhood.

Industry groups are weighing in on the decision.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “I congratulate Ms. Rollins on her nomination as Secretary of Agriculture, on behalf of National Farmers Union’s, farmer and rancher members across the country. I am hopeful her rural roots instilled in her the important role family farmers and ranchers play in supporting our nation’s economy.”

Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says, “We congratulate Brooke Rollins on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture. We’re pleased she has a good relationship with our state farm bureau in Texas and hope to build on it if she’s confirmed by the Senate. We’re encouraged by her statement that she’d ‘fight for America’s farmers and our nation’s agricultural communities.’”

NCBA’s Ethan Lane also weighed in saying, “From her time as a college student studying agriculture development, to her distinguished career in Texas and Washington, Brooke Rollins has a history of fighting for main street and rural America. America’s cattle producers need a Secretary of Agriculture who will protect family farms and ranches, roll back crushing regulations, and stand up for rural values.”

RFD-TV Market Specialists Tony St. James and Scott Shellady take a deep dive into how the markets are likely to respond.

Related Stories
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
Federal lawyers submitted a brief this week backing Bayer’s argument that federal laws governing herbicides like Roundup should prevent lawsuits over the popular chemical.
Despite the need for swift action, many ag lawmakers and industry groups argue that farm aid alone will likely not be sufficient to help farmers without improved trade relations with China.
SDRP Stage 2 now helps producers recover shallow, uninsured losses from major 2023–2024 disasters, with streamlined sign-ups open through April 30.
The National Milk Producers Federation will launch a new advocacy campaign to secure a final vote, urging House lawmakers to approve the bill as soon as they return from the Thanksgiving recess.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.